Just Breathe, Chapter 18 – moving in, media prank, a meeting of the minds
Very early morning, Friday, July 29, 2011
Ana's POV
"Pike Market Medical Clinic will take me at 7:30 to remove my cast," I insisted. "I'll dress for work, Sawyer can take me. After the cast is removed and I see the doctor, I can go to work."
"We haven't vetted them – can't you just go to Mom's office and get it removed?" Christian asked. "Pike Market Medical could be overrun with paparazzi while you are there. Plus we have no guarantee they will keep your medical records private."
"Fine, but you have to get me an appointment when Grace is available today. I'll go to work early and stay late to complete a full work day. I have things I need to do over the weekend before I move in with you. Please work on that list of places I need vetted. I want to go to the salon with Kate tomorrow. I need an appointment with the gynecologist and the therapist plus we're still short a female security guard." I blurted out. "Seriously, I appreciate the home gym and the home office at Escala. However, I'd appreciate birth control shots and a manicure too. I prepped the lasagna last night. We're having dinner here with Ray tonight."
XX
"Ana," Grace hugged her goodbye. "Here are the follow-up procedures for your arm. Dr. Fouraker has recommended you swim three times a week for 20 minutes, doing water therapy for your arm in August. In September, swim three times a week for 20 minutes with the wrist weight. Then, swim three times a week in October just to exercise your arm. Use a loufa sponge to exfoliate the dry skin and use a 30 SPF for days when you are in the sun." She paused and smiled, "Next Sunday, if you and Christian are free, please come to brunch at the house in Bellevue."
"I'll ask Christian," I promised. "Grace; I love your son; but I'm well known for klutzy moves. I need a referral for a GP. I need a referral for a good dentist. Plus…if they are women, I would feel better and Christian would not obsess so much."
Grace laughed as she headed for her computer to do some research for me.
XXXXX
Friday, July 29, 2011
Ana's POV
"Annie…why did you have me bring my trailer? The water heater would have fit in the back of the truck." Ray asked.
I handed him a beer. "Christian asked me to move in with him. I said yes. We've had couple counseling sessions about the expectations of moving in with one another. He's a good guy, Ray and I love him. He treats me well and he makes me happy. I know it seems like we met each other yesterday; but I considered it for a long time after he asked. Kate plans to ask Elliott to move in here. Ethan is moving in with a friend who lives closer to the university. There is no need for my furniture at Christian's condo. I was wondering if you would take my furniture to one of your favorite consignment stores and sell it. Kate's keeping the kitchen armoire."
"Just moving in… not engaged and planning a wedding?" Ray asked.
"Just moving in for now," I said. "He hasn't asked me to marry him. That conversation will require us to know each other longer than eight weeks. I love him; he loves me. We want to be together. I know he's going to have to travel for work from time to time, but we don't want to be apart more than necessary."
"Do you have a guarantee if you get pregnant he will take care of you and the baby?" Ray asked.
"I don't want to discuss birth control with you; but I'm not getting pregnant for some time. I'm 22 and I just starting to take care of myself. But there's another thing I need you to do for me." I said.
"Name it." He takes a drink from his beer.
"Take my gun home to Montesano. It's one of the conditions for my moving in to Escala. Taylor will show me where the guns are if I need to get to one. You know how Christian feels about guns. This is a compromise." I explain.
"What did he give up so you would give up your gun?" Ray asked.
"He agreed to my list of security rules." I said, noting the confusion on Ray's face. "Rules like no one in the bathroom with me and a female security guard when I do lady things." I said. "I agreed to armed security 24/7 and security protocol instruction."
"Is Taylor providing the instruction?" Ray asked.
"Yes," I admitted.
"I can live with that." Ray said. "Is there anything else?"
"Yes…I need to have a conversation about Carla. I called to wish her a happy birthday; but she wasn't in the mood for a walk down memory lane. She was more interested in knowing if Christian picked out her flowers or paid for them." I know I sound disgusted. "She thanked me for them; but I think they would have appreciated more if Christian had anything to do with it. I need to know some things. Like…where did you meet Carla?"
"In the parking lot of a cemetery," Ray laughed and packed a handful of books off my bookshelf.
"Jose's here with pictures!" Kate called out. My arm is a little tired, I could use a respite…I refuse to think break since I finally got my cast off.
"Will you coordinate with José and Christian? I don't want to be part of that discussion." I asked Ray. I sat at my desk; packing it up.
XX
"The three pictures of Kate by herself are yours to hang or distribute," Christian said. "The booty picture is mine so don't even think about arguing with me. The campfire picture is Ray's. I want the sun ray picture in my office at Escala; the laughing, pouting, smiling pictures of Ana go to my office at Grey House." He did not explain he planned to destroy the booty picture and the scowling picture, along with their negatives.
"I'm giving Kate's parents the picture of her in cap and gown. The other two I'm hanging in my home office. Have I told you how much I hate this?" Elliott griped to Christian. "I hate shopping for furniture. I hate going through stuff. I hate moving. However, I want Kate and she won't move into my condo. So, I'm moving in here; but I have to arrange for my condo to be emptied, cleaned and painted so I can rent it out."
"You're not selling your condo?" Christian asked.
"I'm claiming the lousy economy is a good reason not to sell. I'm sure Katie and I will go the distance, but…" Elliott shrugged.
"You want to keep the bachelor pad?" Christian asked.
"I want to keep the man-cave, yes," Elliott explained. "Grey Construction can use another condo as a rental property. Kate's condo is closer to Grey Construction's main office. Ray's done a great job here with the stuff he's fixed and replaced. I'm seriously considering hiring him for two-three day gigs when he's got serious down time and needs gainful employment."
XXXXX
Saturday, July 30
"That's cool," Kate pointed at a lonely table in Ray's trailer while carrying boxes down to load.
"You like that?" He asked. "It's a pedestal table I made out of an old lamp base and picture frame. I filled the base with three pounds of sand to give it stability. I put a wood backing on the frame and attached it to the lamp. Spray painted it white. I brought it with me to see if I could find some lamps and frames at thrift stores. I've got six requests for them. One client wants four of them for night tables in her Bed and Breakfast."
"It's very shabby chic," Kate said. "Seriously, I'd buy it from you but I promised Elliott to keep the condo modern and not girly. Which means I have to repaint my room because he doesn't like the lavender walls or puffy bed linens and curtains with violets on them."
"Do you want to see my next project?" Ray asked; trying to derail listening to Kate's decorating plans. "I just bought a dozen old glass window frames from a yard sale. I'm going to make them into mini green house/terrariums." He showed Kate a picture on his cell phone. "I have to bless Annie for making me get a cell phone. This one takes great pictures I can download to the work laptop. I've taken pictures of some cool projects to consider. What are really popular around Christmas are the play kitchens I make from old entertainment centers. I sold twelve of them last year and already have orders for another dozen this Christmas."
"That's cool, but I like the way you converted that old armoire into a sewing armoire," Kate remarked. "That's something my mom would like."
"I'm making pallet gardens for the Bed and Breakfast client. It's relatively easy. I can make one in less than 20 minutes. I just make sure the pallets are solid, staple painting canvas over them, trim, fill with dirt and drop them off. She's putting them in various spots all over her orchard to hold cool season crops like lettuces, spinach and herbs. This is a project I just finished for her." Ray showed Kate another picture. "She had two old doors with really cool architectural designs and windows. I converted them into hall tree benches for her. I sanded them down, replaced the window grouting and framing to make the windows solid. Then I put crown molding around the outside of the doors to cover the latch and hinge indentations. Stain and finish. I'm still working on refinishing/refurbishing furniture, but these little side jobs that take a day or two are becoming an important side business."
"How important?" Kate asked.
"I hired two retired vets to work part-time for me starting last September. They work when they want; I keep a list of projects needing to be done. They get paid by the project. We took two pickup truck and trailer loads to an antiques show last weekend and sold everything but that table." Ray lowered his voice. "For the last four years I've been going to auctions, estate sales and yard sales. I've been buying anything wooden that is in shambles, or wrecked. I've been taking the items apart, sanding, reassembling and refinishing. I store everything until I have enough for a sale. Then I sell the inventory; put half the profits back into buying more things to fix and put the other half into a fund for Annie. I've made enough extra money in the last four years to pay off Annie's college loan. I'm giving her a check for it for her birthday."
"Are you alright with her moving in with Christian?" Kate asked.
"Do you know something I don't?" Ray countered.
"Elliott says Ana is his first girlfriend. We're just worried because we both remember our first loves…and neither of them turned out well." Kate shrugged.
Ray's perturbed face bothered Kate for a minute. "I understand what you are saying. My first real love was Carla."
Kate burst into laughter. "No Ray, your first love was tools and wood; and from what I've seen…the attraction is still there."
XX
"Christian, is there something you want to explain to me?" Ray asked as they carried the replaced water heater and Ana possessions down to his truck and trailer.
"Moving in instead of married?" Christian asked.
"Yes, you asked for my blessing for a wedding…not for shacking up," Ray said sternly, ignoring Taylor who suddenly had a coughing fit.
"Right now, if I asked Anastasia to marry me, she would say no, it's too soon. I'm hoping if she's with me daily and gets used to us being together; I can ask her to marry me. I want to ask over Labor Day weekend, but I understand that's a big fishing weekend for you."
"Christian…fish or cut bait. I don't like the idea of Annie living with someone. I think she had too much of that crap growing up with her mother. I'll tell Annie I'm going fishing with a group of guys from the VFW in Montesano. That will leave her schedule open for you. Word of warning; if you don't ask Annie to marry you; I'll use Taylor for an anchor while I make bait out of you."
"Understood, sir. The plan is a sailing trip down the coast for two days. Drop anchor the second day; propose and then head back to Seattle." Christian admitted. "Then I have to warn you, if Ana says yes - I don't want to wait much longer after that for the wedding, maybe a month. I can clear my schedule now for all of October for a wedding and a honeymoon."
"What are you going to do if Annie says no?" Ray asked.
"I won't give her an ultimatum of that's what you are wondering. If she says no; I will accept it, even if it hurts. I want to be with Anastasia. I'm not the most patient man in the universe. I won't give up asking." Christian admitted.
"You know people are going to ask if she's pregnant if you marry quickly. How are you going to handle the media?" Ray raised an eyebrow.
"I can get my PR people to handle it," Christian promised.
"Grey, handle any press that claims Annie is a gold digger and trapped you into marriage. I don't want to see it and she doesn't need to see it. Have a damn press conference if necessary, but I don't want my girl bashed around in the tabloids. She assures me her safety is important to you. So; don't let the media fuck it up."
XXXXX
Early Morning, Sunday, July 31
******* Seattle Nooz *******
Reliable sources spotted Katherine Kavanagh and Anastasia Steele having a girls' day out at Elaia Spa at the Hyatt Olive 8 yesterday morning. Inquiring minds want to know what happened with the Grey women getting work done at Esclava Salons. Rumor mill says the elite society of Seattle have shunned the Esclava Salons since the Coping Together event. The roommates spent a few hours at the spa and then went for a quiet chat at the Perennial Tea Room near Pike Place Market. They purchased tea, biscuits and marmalades before disappearing.
******* Seattle Nooz *******
Ana's POV
"What are you doing?" Christian yelped.
"Taking Wanda to Escala," I say patiently. "She's full of clothes, books and possessions." I search my purse looking for keys. "I need to leave Kate's condo keys too."
"You can't drive that car!" He exploded. "It's not safe!"
"Wanda is safe and she's mine. We've been through thick and thin for four years!" I storm. I glare at him. Yelling at me is a Hard Limit which I can't vocalize in front of Ray or Kate because I don't need them wondering what it means and looking it up on the Internet.
"Let Sawyer drive her to Escala and ride with me, it's safer." Christian said darkly.
"Okay…I know I haven't driven in weeks. I understand the doctor recommended physical therapy for my arm, but I can drive. It's just a few blocks from here to Escala."
"It's safer for you to ride with me," He asserted.
"At this moment, it's safer for you if I drive myself to Escala," I put both hands on my hips.
"Son, let me warn you – that hands on the hips gesture – it's the southern woman call to war. She's going to locate things to throw at you pretty quick," Ray called out as he took a load of things down to his truck.
"I'm not going to win this argument, am I?" He asked, eyes narrowed.
"This is not an argument. I am driving my car to Escala. I'm not asking permission to drive my car. You, Ray, José, Taylor and Sawyer are cordially invited to follow me."
He stepped close and leaned down to whisper in my ear, "Miss Steele, ignoring your safety makes my palm twitch."
"There will be a conversation about this, Mr. Grey. Do you want to do it now, in front of everyone or do you want to do it privately?" My voice is more nonchalant than I feel.
"I'll drive Wanda," José said – reaching for the keys. "I know her quirks. She hasn't been driven in over two months. Besides," he says airily while walking out the door, "We wouldn't want one of the security guards injured if she misbehaves."
"See; Wanda hasn't been driven in two months," Christian said. "Even José thinks she might misbehave."
"What makes you think he was referring to Wanda misbehaving?" I added a hip bounce to the hands on the hips and chuckle to myself when Christian's face goes blank. "Now, what are you going to do while I'm unpacking my clothes and stuff at Escala?"
"Mrs. Jones can do that," Christian argued.
"Mr. Grey, you suck at personal negotiation. Borrow Theo's unused tickets for tonight's Mariners' game and offer them to José, Ray and Ethan. Elliott can escort them along with Taylor or Sawyer. It will be a thank-you for moving me today. You and I spend a quiet night at Escala celebrating our moving in together. If you distract me enough; the unpacking can wait for Mrs. Jones to help me this week when you are working at home."
He reached for me and pinned my arms behind my back and whispered in my ear, "Quiet night? You're not screaming when you come?"
He lets me go and I'm blushing furiously when Ray comes back to announce we're burning daylight.
XX
Taylor looked at the calendar before addressing me. "Next Saturday Sawyer and I need four hours of uninterrupted time for close personal protection training. We'll explain about the guns we use, basic protocols and basic safety rules. I'll show you where the guns are kept. I'd feel better if we scheduled some practice time at the shooting range for you to get your arm back in."
"We should do that when Mr. Grey spends time at baseball games with his family." I offered. "Seriously, I'd rather go shooting than have mandatory shopping dates with Mia."
He laughed so loud and so hard I thought he would pass out from lack of oxygen.
"I've never been a girly girl, Taylor," I admit. "This is all new territory for me. Not to mention the first time I tried to be a girly girl; Elena Lincoln pissed me off. There are certain expectations since I'm with Christian. Girl dates, manicures and pedicures and clothes shopping are part of that. Seriously, I am better with fishing hooks and bullets than I am with high heels and makeup."
"I understand completely. Ray made me promise to get you to Montesano a few times each year for fishing and camping." Taylor shrugged. "You'll practice entering and exiting vehicles, dealing with paparazzi, etc. Sawyer will explain reasons and the methods for things we do; like Ryan riding on the running board from gate entry at Coping Together to where you exited at the carpeted entrance." He sighed. "Because of Mr. Grey's wealth, business interests, travel needs and work in high-risk locations around the world; our security force can go from six to sixty in less than 24 hours. Please do not feel you need to be on first name basis with all of the security staff, but know faces. Make sure any security you do not know, knows your private security code before you leave with them. Otherwise, scream, yell, kick them in the balls, spray hairspray in their eyes, grab their guns, incapacitate them – do something until the cavalry comes. What is your private code word?"
"Sherlock. My word is Sherlock." I said.
"I like that," he grinned. "Figure out the clues. Additionally, Barney wants at least one hour with you to go over security for cell phones, laptops, wifi, technology, etc."
"Taylor, I hate clothes shopping, but Mia and Kate will insist on shopping days. Please give me a password I can whisper to Sawyer to get me out of shopping."
"Shoelaces," Taylor revealed. "It's what Dr. T. uses when Mia wears her out."
"I can remember that," I laughed and reached for my smart phone. "Okay, let's coordinate schedules."
XX
"This is yours, for moving in with me," Christian hands me a file. "It's your background check and NDA. It's also the proposed contract with your notes and comments."
I look at the date the background check was ordered…which turns out to be graduation day. I suspected it was invasive before…now I have proof it is. "Don't you think this is a little invasive for an employee background check?"
"Your bank account information?" He asked.
"Yes." I give him a quizzical look.
"I can't have an employee so deeply in debt that they sell proprietary information to stabilize their finances. That's the reason for the NDAs, the work contracts and the background checks."
"Shred it please." I smile and hand it back to him. "I think you know that background check was invasive. You owe me an apology and I'm not talking about a new car, or clothes or jewelry. I want a real date, with tablecloth, candles and dancing." I said.
"You may think it's invasive – but I have dedicated employees who provide excellent work for excellent pay. I take my responsibilities seriously." He smirked, "like providing a romantic dinner for my girl on her first night in our home. John never asked how we felt about having sex while we had guests. While Elliott was installing the home gym in the ex-submissive suite and converting the library to an office space for you; he soundproofed the master bedroom suite." He winked at me and walked away.
XX
"Elena," Elliott grabbed her by the arm and pulled her away from the private entrance at Safeco Field. "Is there a reason you are here?"
"I need to talk business with Christian, but he's not taking my calls, not answering my emails or texts. Grace won't take my calls, emails or texts. I can't get an appointment to see Christian at Grey House; he won't come to the salon. I've been reduced to hanging out at a sports field hoping to see him and get him to talk to me. It's all a damn misunderstanding about that girl. Did you see Seattle Nooz this morning? They are bashing my salon chain because that girl and your girlfriend went to a different salon yesterday."
"That girl?" Elliott's voice quieted. "You mean Ana?"
"Yes. Where is Christian? And why isn't he with you?" Elena demanded answers.
"Theo gave Kate and Ana's friend, Kate's brother, Ana's dad and me the tickets for today. Sort of a thank you from the Grey family for helping Ana move in with Christian."
"Move in…" Elena's voice faltered and she seemed to be in shock. Elliott took full advantage of her silence.
"Sawyer," he called out. "Please escort Mrs. Lincoln to her car. She might trip in those stilettos, fall down in the parking lot and accidently get run over."
We can only hope, Sawyer thought. As quick as she's gone and they are settled in the private box, I have to call Taylor.
XX
Christian pulled out a chair for me to be seated. "Instead of using the dining room table, I thought we could use the set on the balcony for our first romantic dinner as a couple in our home." The candles were lit; there was a low bouquet of roses on the table.
"Dinner was delivered from a new Tex-Mex restaurant in town, Cantina y Cocina. They claim their south of the border food is so authentic they advise their customers not to drink the water. They put bottled water on the tables with each meal. I ordered their Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas and the Chile Relleňos. The salad is dressed with an avocado cilantro dressing. Green Chile Rice, refried vegetarian black beans and sliced melon and strawberries are the sides. Beer or lime water?"
"Lime water please?" I let Christian wait on me. "How long do we have until the guys are back?"
"A few hours. I ordered extra food if they didn't get enough beer, dogs and nacho chips at Safeco Field. If not, it all freezes well and Ray can take it home." He disappeared for a few minutes and reappeared with a tray of food and water. He served her with a flourish. "I tried not to overload your plates, so just eat what you can."
"You promise not to nag at me to eat?" I asked.
"I won't nag at you to eat, I promise." Christian said. "I'll even let you show me how to do the dishes."
"Yeah, right," I laughed. "That translates to you'll be busy grabbing my ass while I'm doing the dishes."
"Sounds like a fair division of labor to me," Christian laughed. "After all, you are wearing a pretty little sundress that shows off your legs. I should show you how much I appreciate them."
XXXXX
Monday, August 1
******* Seattle Nooz *******
Reliable sources spotted Christian and Elliott Grey at the Kavanagh/Steele condo this weekend. A caravan of vehicles left the condo and went to Escala. Does this mean that Miss Steele has moved in with our billionaire bachelor, Christian Grey? Then Elliott Grey and Ethan Kavanagh were spotted later in the day at the Mariners' game. They watched the Mariners lose to the Rays 1-8.
******* Seattle Nooz *******
Ray's POV
"Thank you for breakfast, Mrs. Jones," I wiped my mouth and put my silverware on my plate. She refilled my tea before whisking my plate and utensils away. "You didn't need to cook for me; I could have eaten cereal."
"Ana's the same way; she feels like she's imposing but she's not." Mrs. Jones smiled. "I like taking care of everyone and please call me Gail."
"Well, Gail, that was a wonderful breakfast. How soon will Annie be awake?" I asked.
"She's working out in the home gym; the first room at the top of the stairs. Then she'll shower, dress, breakfast and head to work." Mrs. Jones filled Ray's thermos. "Mr. Grey is running with Taylor, when they return, he'll shower, dress, breakfast and head to work."
"Is there a reason Annie isn't running with Christian and Taylor?" I asked.
"She doesn't like running with all the media attention. She can run in the home gym, the gym at Escala or the gym at Grey House or Grey Annex. She is upstairs today because she didn't want to leave early for Grey Annex and miss you. I filled the ice chest with freezer meals for you. The ice packs should keep everything frozen until you get to Montesano. There are cooking directions on all of the dishes. I filled the thermos with hot tea for your drive home."
"Thank you for taking care of me and thank you for taking good care of Annie." I slid a business card over to her. If anything happens to Annie; please call me. I know Mr. Grey says he will take care of her, but I still worry."
"Mr. Grey has good security. Ana will be protected." Gail assured him.
"I know she loves him. I believe he loves her. However, a lot of things have happened to her since she met him. It makes me worry." I said.
"I believe the longer they are together; the stronger they will become. They are trying to find their way together now." She assures me.
"Look out world…here comes Christian and Annie?" I asked.
She nodded wisely.
"I can live with that as long as Annie doesn't lose herself in his world. I haven't been too fond of the psychos running free in it." I finish my tea and hear a door open upstairs. Annie comes bouncing down the stairs on her way to shower and get ready for work. She stops to hug me goodbye.
"Good bye, Annie," I hugged her. "I've got everything. I don't think I forgot anything. Be sure to tell Christian I said thank you for the Mariners' game yesterday."
"He's running with Taylor, followed by a briefing with security staff, but I'll tell him at breakfast." Annie promised. "Did you remember the ice chest with the meals Mrs. Jones and I prepped for you?"
I indicated the ice chest sitting by the elevator doors. "Annie – if you need anything – call me before calling your mother. I can come to the rescue whereas she might give you grief instead of support." I said.
"We have things to work out; all couples do. However, you know me…I always weigh the pros and cons of things before I do it." Annie promised again.
"Just so you know you always have safe haven with me in Montesano," I pulled my daughter into my arms and hugged her goodbye again. "I want to see you for your birthday and that doesn't mean I want you to cook for me. Let me know what you want to do."
Taylor's POV
Hell's bells – he did it again. I wish the Boss would ask my opinion before he did butthead things like this. I'm used to the Boss's raised voice and anger after working for him for half a dozen years – I hated being privy to some of his conversations. This one is out in the open in the garage, anyone with a zoom camera or listening equipment will know what is going on – but I can't interrupt and tell them to take it behind closed doors. Since they are going different directions this morning I can't even stuff them in the same SUV to debate the issue while I stand outside. Not that I believe stuffing them in the same SUV would solve the issue. The Boss seems to go teenage horny when he's in enclosed spaces with Ana. I've set the CCTV in the penthouse elevator to not record if I hit the remote. It keeps the adult shenanigans off camera. I don't know how many more times I'm going to be embarrassed if the Boss doesn't cool his jets. Yeah, it's gone past quiet discussion to a very vocal argument; but Ana is standing her ground and arguing back. How do I tell him to take it indoors without causing a meltdown?
"I have every right to be angry," Ana coldly informed the Boss. "One: you have no right to tell me not to be angry. Two: you had no right to ask Ray to take Wanda home to Montesano. I can't believe you had him and Sawyer down here at the crack of dawn rearranging the trailer to put Wanda on it too. I don't care if he gave you permission to buy me a new car. You had no right to make a decision for me and involve Ray in it. Thank you for your generosity; but I do not want a new car."
I can't hear his soft reply to her, but she zings right back at him.
"I know you can afford it…that's not the issue. The issue is you decided you wanted to do this and didn't consult me. I told you I won't put up with you making decisions for my life and then expecting me to live with it." Ana announced.
"It gives me pleasure to do this for you," The Boss's stubborn streak asserts itself.
"I don't need a new car." She snapped.
"I don't want you driving Wanda!" He roared. "I worry about your safety in that junker so I bought you the safest car I know. Your Wanda is so old that I worry about it having a meltdown on the freeway and you being stranded."
When I peek; Ana is staring at him like he grew a second head…one with NO BRAINS.
Calmly; she reiterated, "First; I took Kate's car with Sawyer to Montesano…that should show you that I don't inflict Wanda on anyone. Second: I don't go anywhere without security. That was one of the points we agreed on when I moved in. Sawyer drives me everywhere I need to go. Taylor drives when I ride with you. When you drive we have security in front of us and behind us. There's no reason for me to have a new car. It's a great car; you picked well; but I don't want a car that costs more than my college loans. I don't want you paying for registration and insurance for a car I won't drive. I don't want material things from you. Are you worried my mother will think less of you if I don't have a new car? Are you trying to impress your neighbors? Was Wanda a huge embarrassment to you?" She paused and then gasped. "You didn't do something wrong and are trying to…I don't know; buy me off so that you don't feel so guilty about whatever it is you did?"
"I didn't do anything except buy a decent vehicle for the woman I love," The Boss's mood gets darker the longer they stand in the garage. "Why do you have to be so difficult about this?"
I catch Sawyer shaking his head out of the corner of my eye. This is not going to end well if the Boss doesn't back off.
"Because I can be," she steals his line. "I'm not the kind of woman who wants things. This shouldn't be such a big deal. You overstepped your boundaries…Hard Limit."
"Let Ray or Taylor sell Wanda to someone who has time, interest and money to keep Wanda running." Grey argues.
"How many cars has Taylor sold in the past?" She demanded to know. "Because selling or repairing cars is not in Ray's area of expertise."
Don't go there, I mentally plead with him. Shit…he's going to do it.
"A couple dozen," he admits.
"You've bought two dozen cars for women?" Her shocked face revealed she didn't know how to process that information. "You've spent over half a million dollars buying cars for women?"
Boss, when are you going to learn that you are not always right and there is a time to keep your mouth shut? The man hasn't an empathetic bone in his body and for a private person, he overshares too much sometimes! I mentally groan and listen to them again.
"No," the Boss explains. "Number eight had three vintage vehicles. It was part of the contract that she…"
"I'm not a submissive, Christian. I will consider selling Wanda; but I won't take that submissive special. I don't feel comfortable accepting such an extravagant gift. I know it made you happy to buy the car; but just remember I don't need gifts from you. I thought the reason for our cohabitation was to enjoy the experience of being with one another. Arguing when you go overboard is not an enjoyable experience. I have to get to work." Ana spun on her heel and headed for Sawyer and an SUV to take her to work.
"Arguing with you when you are unreasonable isn't fun for me either!" He yelled.
"Yelling…hard limit." She snaps before she gets to the SUV.
I hear Sawyer open the SUV door for her and I hear it close. I quickly move to open the door for the Boss but he has it open and slams it closed. Crap. I take a deep breath and prepare to start the SUV.
"Taylor," he attempts to breathe evenly, "I have an appointment with John."
XX
Monday, 8:35 a.m.
From Anastasia Steele
To Christian Grey
RE: Curious...
Do I need to know about the briefing? Or was it just Taylor telling you the car arrived?
Anastasia Steele
Copy Editor
Grey Publishing
Monday, 8:40 a.m.
From Christian Grey
To: Anastasia Steel
RE: Tell me one bad thing about Wanda
I need to discuss the briefing with John and then we can talk about it. I did journal it, but with John's permission; I'm going to remove it from the journal and shred it. By the end of the day your gynecologist will be vetted along with potential therapists. Sawyer will talk with Prescott today about joining your security staff.
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings
Monday, 8:45 a.m.
From Anastasia Steele
To Christian Grey
RE: I can't wear high heels when I drive Wanda
Thank you for Prescott, doctor and therapists. Can we coordinate schedules? By the way; my GPA tells me you deflected the question in an attempt to defuse the situation.
Anastasia Steele
Copy Editor
Grey Publishing
Monday, 8:50 a.m.
From Christian Grey
To Anastasia Steel
RE: Are you trying to coordinate make-up sex?
I'll let you know if John has any more names to add to your therapist list. I have kickboxing with Claude on Tuesday and Friday. Taylor and I are going for a run on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday mornings. Wednesday is supposed to be date night…I'll coordinate dinner (probably eating in) if you coordinate entertainment. Otherwise I'm working at GEH. We have three critical meetings this week and I don't know if I'm working late yet or not. Will you come to Grey House and read or work while I'm there working late? We can go home together and surprise the paps.
You can do better for a Wanda con. I don't think high heels were really a part of your wardrobe until you began working at GP.
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings
Monday, 8:55 a.m.
From Anastasia Steele
To Christian Grey
RE: No make-up sex until we make-up
Okay, Wanda takes a long time to warm up in the winter. I don't like bashing Wanda; she's been one of the dependable things in my life. Ray bought Wanda for me. I know you asked him about getting me a safe car, but did you stop to think that you might hurt his feelings while attempting to surprise me? Please discuss ignoring my hard limit with your expensive charlatan.
My schedule: Tuesday, Friday and Sunday, swimming. I want to run Wednesday and Thursday at Grey Annex so warn Prescott. I have a working lunch today and Thursday. Work schedule for the rest of the week will depend on when doc/therapist get vetted. Grace wants us to come to brunch Sunday.
Anastasia Steele
Copy Editor
Grey Publishing
Monday, 9:00 a.m.
From Christian Grey
To Anastasia Steel
RE: The Audi has auto start and warm up and heated seats for winter…
No matter what – I will keep you safe, Anastasia. Whatever it takes, I will protect you. Will you please reconsider the car?
I'm at John's – you're at work – don't email from your workstation.
Christian Grey
CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings
XX
"Well, if you can't articulate what is going on, we'll resort to alphabet association," John reached for a two-sided container. He pulled a stick from one side, read "A" to Christian and dropped it into the empty side.
"Angry," Christian said.
John chose another stick. "C" he announced.
"Chaos, crisis, crap!" Christian snapped.
John choose another stick, "L".
"Sabine," Christian said.
"Sabine," John's shocked voice cut through Christian's fog. "Sabine. Number 8, Sabine? How did you get Sabine from L?"
"Yes, that Sabine…" Christian acknowledged. "L, Lynnwood, Falcon Financials – Sabine."
"That was a big jump in a short time. You are angry with Sabine?" John asked. "You've had recent contact with a previous submissive?"
"I'm angry, but I'm not angry at Sabine. I'm angry because of something Sabine told me. Yes, I saw her. She came to Escala." Christian explained. "It's better if you just read my journal entry." He handed it to John.
John read the journal entry. "I think you should keep journaling…we're getting some answers to issues. But, this is not safe; and I think you know it. This page should be removed and shredded." He handed Christian the journal. Christian removed the page, handing it to John; who shredded it. "Now…what are you going to do about the situation?"
"Assign covert security to Elena to prevent her from getting near my family. I can't believe she went to Safeco Field in an attempt to contact me. I'm glad Elliott and Sawyer kept it low key so that Ray Steele didn't experience the Elena bullshit and tell Ana about it. Talk to Carrick about getting a no-contact order for Elena once I'm free of her business. Continue getting myself free from our business arrangement. Follow the website closely; find out what is going on; then shut them down. Wait for Sabine to let me know when to counteract one of Elena's media pranks. Figure out how to keep Elena from fucking with Sabine? What the hell else can I do?"
"You have to come clean with Ana. She needs to know Elena is an issue. She needs to know about the sub-club, the media pranks and how you plan to handle them. Elena will probably plan them for when you are at Safeco, out of town on business, or stuck at the office very late. You can't keep Ana tucked away at Escala…thinking she is safe there. You have to plan very public, very prominent events or photo ops with Ana to offset those damn media pranks. If you offset enough of the media pranks; they will lose their impact. By the way; you should do something nice for Sabine. I'm not talking cars, money, or jewelry. It should be something personal; because Sabine took a chance of incurring your wrath and jeopardizing her relationship with her fiancé to warn you."
"That's not the only thing she did," Christian said slowly. "She's still angry about my discussing her with Elena." He explained their private conversation after Taylor left the room.
"Really…" John paused for a minute. "She threatened to tell the police about Elena's lifestyle if Elena brings another youth to the club?"
Christian nodded. "What do you think about that?"
"I'm amazed Sabine stood up to you. She called you on your Dominant stuff and basically threw it back in your face. I'm thrilled that she found love again and is in a safe, sane, consensual relationship. I'm thrilled she wants nothing to do with Elena or your past submissives. Having acknowledged my amazement," John said. "I can only tell you what I know as your therapist for a few years: you are the one who is making lifestyle changes that you never dreamt or imagined before. I know part of you misses the control you think you used to have. But to regain that false sense of control; you have to decide to give up the incredible changes and advances I've seen in you since you terminated with Susannah. You've moved past making unhealthy choices based on irrational beliefs. You know how much damage self-loathing causes in your life. You may claim the changes in you are all Anastasia's influence; but we know the change began before then. Anastasia and the way you love her may be the motive for you to continue your journey of self-discovery."
"Speaking of cars, money or jewelry – Ana's angry with me." Christian admitted.
"What did you do?" John paled.
"I talked her father into taking her old VW Beetle home to Montesano, with hopes that he will sell it. I bought her a new car as a moving in present." Christian said.
"Why is she angry?" John asked.
"She says I broke a hard limit," Christian said.
"A…hard…limit," John could not keep the surprise out of his voice.
"Yeah, making a decision for her life without consulting her. I don't see the issue with the car; I'm just trying to keep her safe." Christian asserted.
"Have we discussed this before?" John kept his voice quiet and non-assertive.
"Yes," Christian's eyes swept the floor. He could not look at John.
"What are you going to do about it?" John asked.
Christian sighed. "I have to learn to ask permission; not forgiveness."
"Think of it this way," John advised. "You have to ask permission to touch. This is that same territory."
Ana's POV
"Prescott," I shook her hand. "Thank you for joining my security team."
"Thank you for hiring me. I understand I'm your CPO when you are exercising, have doctor/dentist appointments, go shopping or have lunches with girlfriends." Prescott said.
"Yes, I know that doesn't sound exciting, but please save me from being embarrassed by Sawyer going to my lady parts doctor appointments. I don't want my doctors or their staff so busy ogling Sawyer's all-American good looks that I get short shifted. Ditto with the dentist or salon."
"So I'm not a daily CPO?" Prescott asked.
"You are daily as far as I'm concerned. I will have night and weekend events where I want you with me; so we have to figure out a schedule for you. Additionally, if Mr. Grey and I are traveling; I want you with me." I hesitate. "Prescott, if you have family and can't do this; I understand."
"Let's take a look at your schedule for the next month and start working out the kinks." Prescott sidestepped the issue of family.
XX
"So Elena showed up at Safeco Field hoping to talk to you," I reiterated.
"That's what Sawyer told Taylor who told me this morning." Christian admitted.
We talked during dinner. Christian told me about the meeting with Sabine. Amazingly, I'm not jealous of her. He said she is in love and getting married. I asked if it was one of those Leila situations and he said no. Sabine was the submissive he met through John Genovese who owns Chicago Cigar. He was purchasing a birthday gift for Theo at the same time she was visiting John about a birthday gift for her godfather. John provided introductions. She was not vetted by Elena and hates her. She came to Escala on Friday night to warn him about the sub club and Elena and potential faux media events.
We resolved a few things. Christian and Taylor will work on establishing a security detail for Elena. They will notify him of her movements, including websites and emails. Each evening when we return to Escala, we will enter through the lobby and past the paps. Additionally, Christian's PR people will provide us a list of reliable press to call on when we need exposure to offset an Elena situation. One thing he assured me, Elena is out of her mind if she thinks he's going to have anything to do with her. He also promised to talk to Roz tomorrow and see if there is any way to speed up the financial separation process. I guarantee Christian that I'm not running or withdrawing. We're going to fight her; standing side by side.
Christian and I created a list of things to do when we become aware of media pranks. We can order pizza; go down to the lobby and pick it up; waving at the paparazzi. We can get family and friends to visit; again going down to the lobby to escort them upstairs and provide the paps with a photo op. We can make a run for ice cream, coffee or claim we have to run to the office to pick up work we forgot. If we have enough advance notice; we can go to dinner at the Mile High Club. If Christian is at ball games with his family, I can arrange girl dates with Mia or Kate for manicures and pedicures, shopping, visiting them or having them visit me. I can go to author-related events arranged by Grey Publishing or go to a vetted bookstore or the Seattle Library.
We talk about the charity we plan to support and settle on Treehouse. It is an outreach for foster children; providing school supplies, clothes and fees. Their Little Wishes program provides support for extracurricular activities including martial arts lessons, piano/music lessons and/or swimming lessons. Additionally they help high school youth with senior class photos, driver's education classes, clothes and personal services for prom and graduation exercises. If I have to go shopping with Kate or Mia and don't want to shop for myself; I can download a wish list for the kids and clothes shop for them. I can get security to deliver anything I purchase to them to eliminate paparazzi following me. We don't want to use Treehouse for media exposure. It's something we want to do for us.
The car issue is not resolved; although Christian says he understands my hesitancy about accepting the car. I warn Christian not to push me about the car because I just might drive it over to Treehouse so they can use it as a raffle prize; donating the funds from it for programs for the kids. Alternately, they can use it as a practice car for students taking driver's education courses.
He smirks at me. "Forgive me…I can't argue with you about the Audi when you frown."
"Are you flirting with me in the middle of a discussion?" I ask with asperity. "I wasn't aware I was frowning."
"You are," he scoffs.
"You can't take me seriously if I'm frowning?" I ask severely.
"No; you look adorable; it distracts me. All I want to do is grab you and kiss your frown away, like this." He grabs me and plunders my mouth, his hands on my face. His fingers brush over the V frown lines in my forehead kissing me until I can barely breathe let alone think.
"You know I can't think when you kiss me senseless." I giggle. "Really, are you trying to kiss me into submission?"
"Better than letting our tempers clash," he murmurs.
XXXXX
Tuesday, August 2
Barney didn't know what was going on; but he didn't like the new website Welch assigned him to follow and report. Barney knew from his sisters that women could be catty and bitchy. The dozen women who frequented the site appeared to be obsessed with Grey. He managed to connect ten of them to names Welch had on his watch list. The contents of the site did not bother him; until he got to blogs on it starting in June. It wasn't comments from the bloggers that bothered him; it was the comments and questions from the site administrator. He researched who built the site, hosted the site and administered the site. He hoped with enough evidence; Miss Steele could claim cyber stalking and get it shut down.
XXXXX
Wednesday, August 3
Ana's POV
"We're just going out for ice cream!" Christian called out to the crowd.
"Where?" One of the paps questioned the couple before they got in an Audi SUV.
"We thought you went to the ball game with your family," One of them shouted.
"I wanted a quiet night in with Ana; but we got an urge for ice cream," Christian replied.
"What's your favorite ice cream, Miss Steele?" One of the paps shouted.
"Strawberry Cheesecake," I called out. "Christian's addicted to Jamocha Almond Fudge."
"Hey, we just got a tweet that you are alone and at Hera's Forum!" One of the paps held up his phone.
Christian nodded to Ana and they walked over to that pap. "What's Hera's Forum?" I asked.
"Well," the pap turned burning-in-hell red. "Hera's Forum sells risqué lingerie, sex toys and has a movie theatre that shows chick skin flicks."
I laughed. "Seriously; I'm living with gorgeous Christian Grey. Does it look like I need chick skin flicks?" I started to walk away but turned back. "Do you have a picture of her, the faux Anastasia Steele?"
Three of the paps pulled up pictures of the doppelganger and handed their phones to Ana.
I laughed again. "Okay, here's two ways to determine if it's a real photo of me. This faux Anastasia has a tramp stamp on her neck." I point it out, just barely visible at the edge of her ponytail. "I have no tramp stamps," I lift my hair and show them the back of my neck. "Plus this faux Anastasia has double pierced ears. Mine are single pierced. And…if I wore a white mesh t-shirt – I'd wear a white satin Victoria's Secret bra that fits correctly beneath it. Sorry guys; I think you were media pranked." I handed phones back to the paps and took Christian's hand. We walked back to the SUV, posing one last time for a sweet kiss for the paparazzi. Our clasped hands are in the middle of my back, my free hand on his bicep, his free hand holding the back of my neck with his thumb framing my ear.
"Very sweet," he says to me, "but I still want ice cream." We get in the SUV and depart for Baskin Robbins.
XX
"Do you want ice cream?" Christian asked.
"Not really," I admitted. "I feel like a hot bath and some sleep."
"Are you angry with me?" Christian asked.
"No…but I'd like to take a baseball bat to Elena. What happens when the media pranks don't achieve what she wants? What will she do next? Hire one of the sub-club to make a sex tape and release it to some sleazy porn site? How many more innocuous events can we create to offset her bullshit?" I asked. "Don't be stupid," my inner goddess says. "That woman has known him for thirteen years, six of which she had sex with him. That old bitch not going to roll over and play dead because puppy has a new toy."
"Was there anything fun about tonight?" Christian asked.
"Before the media prank…I had a quiet romantic dinner with the man I love; dancing in his arms...now I feel mentally exhausted, crampy, bloated and bitchy. I've never been homicidally hormonal when it's my cycle…but I'd really like to punch her in the mouth again." I said.
"Go take your bath. Should I come in and wash your back in a little while?" Christian offered.
"You need to talk with Taylor and make sure there are no safety issues for your family. I'm going to soak for at least thirty minutes. If you get done with Taylor; you can join me," I depart the room. I feel hurt. I feel I cannot touch him without the taint of Elena Lincoln's machinations coming between us. And then it hits me…I'm withdrawing from him because of her. We have to talk about this.
XX
Christian cleared his throat. He's kneeling by the tub, observing me. I'm laying back in the bath, listening to soft rock, letting the hot, steaming room and the smell of jasmine lull me into a very relaxed state.
"What are you doing," I ask.
"Enjoying the view," he smirked.
"I'm covered in bubbles except for my toes," I point out.
"I like those toes. I like that pedicure." He reaches down and grasps a foot. His fingers cup my instep as his thumb massages my foot. His mouth kisses and caresses my pinkie toe, lightly grazing it, nibbling it.
"I like to see you naked," I said.
"We aim to please Miss Steele," Christian says as he drops trousers.
XXXXX
Thursday, August 4
******* Seattle Nooz *******
Reliable sources spotted three of the Grey men at Safeco Field watching the Mariners win 7-4 over the Athletics. Despite reports that "confirmed" Christian Grey attended with his family; he was spotted holding hands with Anastasia Steele, while leaving Escala later in the evening. The couple answered a few questions, kissed for the paparazzi and preceded to the nearest Baskin Robbins so Miss Steele could purchase her favorite Strawberry Cheesecake ice cream and Mr. Grey could purchase his favorite Jamocha Almond Fudge ice cream. The couple caused a flurry at the local 31 Flavors; but disappeared before a flash mob arrived. Apologizing for interrupting the other clients at 31 Flavors; Mr. Grey purchased a quart of ice cream for everyone present and left a sizeable tip for the staff. Upon their return to Escala; the couple held up their shopping bag for 31 Flavors. Twitter was abuzz with tweets about seeing the couple out on their ice cream supply run.
******* Seattle Nooz *******
"FUCK!" Elena shouted, slamming the paper down on the table. She immediately went to the internet and searched for Christian. There were no shots of Susannah at Hera's Forum but Christian and the bookworm were shown holding hands and buying ice cream. How fucking vanilla could he get! She was ruining everything! It was time to pull out the big guns, Sabine would be a better body double, but Elena could rely on Susannah. Sabine wasn't a sure thing. It cost her $1K for last night's fiasco. She went over to the sub-club website and logged in to the administration page. Holy shit…Sabine was logging in and looking around the site! Elena could use that…Sabine was obviously curious about the sub-club. Elena would need to track Sabine's online check-ins more often.
Christian's POV
We are both working late tonight, but instead of being in our own respective offices; Ana agreed to come to Grey House and work from my office. Sawyer will escort her from the front doors of Grey Annex to the front doors of Grey House – in full view of the paparazzi.
"Miss Steele," My voice flowed through my office like an ocean wave. "It's been a long day. I just want to say thank you for working from here and brightening my day." I loved looking at her petite body, alabaster skin, shiny hair and her gorgeous breasts. If I don't kiss her soon, I will not be able to concentrate on the conference call coming through in the next twenty minutes. I locked the office door behind her.
"Mr. Grey," she enveloped me in a warm, soft hug, pressing her breasts against my chest.
I kissed her, my hands reaching down to her round beautiful ass. When we stopped kissing, I gazed down at her. "I am available for fifteen minutes," I suggested.
Ana smiled at me; her sky blue eyes filled with lust. She smiled and bit her bottom lip.
"God, don't do that," I kissed her fervently. "You keep biting that lip; I'm not going to last fifteen minutes."
"Well, we won't waste time getting undressed then." She grabbed my tie and pulled me to my chair. She pushed me down into the chair and knelt in front of me. Her small hands made fast work of my zipper; freeing me from my pants before she captured me in her warm, soft mouth. She caressed my balls which made my cock throb harder. She sucked slowly, taking all of me from the base to the tip of my cock.
"Oh god," I moaned as her mouth teased me until I was so hard and engorged that I thought I would explode if Ana continued her steady oral attention. "Stop baby, stop." I eased myself out of her mouth and pulled her up. My hands slid up under her skirt and I ripped off her panties; reveling in the sound of her gasp as I destroyed her lacy underwear. I pushed her skirt up, sighed at the wondrous sight of her stockings and then bent her over my desk, burying myself in her tight warm sweetness. She clenched around me as my hands held her hips. I caressed her ass occasionally as I stroked her warm wet channel harder and harder. Her hips found their own rhythm, rocking and grinding against my thrusts, moaning as her orgasm built in her. "Come for me baby," I gasped – seconds before her walls clenched around me, making my cock throb and explode. I felt my knees go weak as she cried out with a second orgasm. I bent over her, my hands clasping hers, my nose buried in her soft, fragrant hair. When my breathing evened out, I stood and pulled out of her. I reached for tissues from the desk to clean up as the phone rang. "Grey," I answered on speaker phone.
"It's me, Roz. Are you available to talk to the M&A team working on the wind turbine farm acquisition in Nevada?"
"One minute, Roz," I muted the phone. "You can clean up in the bathroom, baby," I grabbed her ass one more time before she stumbled away from me, like a fawn with new wobbly legs. I sighed, watching her. "I love you," I called out, hearing her soft voice reply back to me.
"Love you too, Christian," she disappeared into the bathroom and closed the door. I finished cleaning myself and redressing. I scooped her ruined panties off the floor and stuffed them in my pocket before I reached for my laptop and accessed information on the wind turbine farm.
"Let's do it," I said when I took the phone off mute. I tried to concentrate on my laptop and the conference call instead of watching Ana. Her long legs; her silky stockings; her stilettos begged to be wrapped around my ass. Watching Anastasia concentrating on her work on my couch made me want to jump her bones again. It was a good thing she worked in a different building or I would find a reason to spend break time in her arms; have nooners with her every day; and arrange for late night meetings where I buried himself in her sweet warmness on my buttery-soft leather couch. I was besotted with Anastasia – and I knew it.
Ana's POV
"Mr. Grey, Miss Steele, are you going anywhere special tonight?" The paps were waiting for us outside Escala.
"Yes," I called back to them and noticed Christian's eyebrow lift. I step back toward the curb and look up the façade of Escala; allowing my eyes to linger at the penthouse level. I scan down the façade and then observe Christian standing by the door. I look him over too, from his messy bronze curls down his well-fitted black suit to his well-shined black shoes and slowly back up to meet his smoldering grey eyes. "We're going home," I call out to the paps and join Christian entering the building.
XX
"Home?" Christian smirked when we entered the elevator.
"Well, it would have been rude to say the special place we're going to is our bedroom." I smiled before he captured my mouth.
A/N:
Thank you for the reviews and viewers; thank you for the messages and questions; thank you for the favorites and follows!
I do not own Fifty Shades Trilogy or the characters. They belong to E. L. James. My story is the interpretation of my thoughts about how the characters could have, should have, would have acted.